ES2275043T3 - QUICK ACTION CONNECTION FOR THE UNION OF TWO EXTREME PIPES. - Google Patents

Abstract

Quick-acting connection for two tube ends, for the watertight and removable assembly of the first tube end (10) with the second tube end (20) comprising elastic arms (33), a first outer locking projection (14) provided at the first tube end (10), a first elastically deformable ring (31) connected to the elastic arms (33), and two first internal locking cams (34) provided on the first ring (31) cooperating with the first projection external locking (14), characterized by a second external projection (23) provided on the second tube end (20), a second elastically deformable ring (32) connected to the elastic arms (33) and away from the first ring (31 ) and by two second internal locking cams (35) provided on the second ring (32) cooperating with the second external locking projection (23).

Description

Quick acting connection for joining two tube ends

Technical field

The present invention consists of a connection fast-acting to stagnate and removably connect a first tube end with a second tube end, with arms elastic, with a first outer locking projection on the first tube end, with a first elastic ring deformable connected to the elastic arms, and with two first Internal locking cams cooperating on the first ring.

State of the art

Quick-acting connections of this type are known and also called "connectors". We use them for example in the automobile industry, where they serve for example to join fuel pipes or ventilation channels. With the term channels, here we designate closed pipes of any section, but in particular tubes of circular section. Regularly, a link to a metallic or even non-metallic tube or to a connection sleeve is necessary here. Given the vibrations that appear, it is also necessary to form a part of the channeling, respectively of the channel, so that it can be deformed elastically. To this end, we use most of the times rubber tubes. Taking into account its high weight, in particular in the large volume ventilation channels, and its high price, rubber tubes are not very advantageous without However, and then we combine them with synthetic pipes lighter and cheaper, which in turn, however, are relatively rigid To connect synthetic pipes With the rubber tubes, we also need connectors. In summary, we have a relatively complex constitution with several sections made of different materials and several connectors between sections. This in turn makes necessary make relatively high manufacturing costs, a great expense in logistics as well as an important assembly cost. In addition, this constitution in several pieces is not favorable for the impermeability and demands a certain minimum length, because the Different pieces cannot be shortened in any way. In addition, in the limited spaces that are usually in the currently under the hood of cars, it is advisable to provide enough space for connector accessibility diverse.

In a quick-acting connection of the type mentioned above, known according to the documents
DE 37 27 858 C2 or DE 38 43 995 C2 and used for fuel pipes, the elastic arms are fixed at one end on the second end of the pipe, and with its other end, with the first ring elastically deformable. Also in this area the first internal locking cams are always formed on the ring. The ring with the internal locking cams as well as both elastic arms are formed of a piece with the second tube end, which in summary is manufactured in the form of an injection molded part of plastic material. In order to fix a tube, the second tube end is further provided with fixing ends.

In a known joint according to the EP 0 750 152 B1, in particular for pipe connection made of rubber with metal or plastic pipes, we fix both tube ends described as internal and external sleeve by a U-shaped folded locking spring. This is in contact by its two arms on the side through openings in the sleeve external and by external cams on the internal sleeve. In this solution, we have an additional part with the locking spring that is available to make the connection and that should be totally separated from the other fasteners to separate the connection. Because of the side shot of the locking spring, a relatively important space to do and undo the connection.

According to JP 11201356, we know a quick-acting connection to removably connect a first tube end to the second tube end. On the second tube end is solidly mounted beforehand between two bulges an annular element that squeezes it tightly, and that it is therefore undeformable, and that it is provided by four arms spring separation. At the free ends of the arms of spring are always internal locking cams that cooperate with an external locking projection on the first end of tube.

WO 99/34143 also shows a solution with an annular element fixed on two tube ends, in which however the elastic arms of the annular element are interlock from the inside outwards in holes of the first tube end, which for this purpose partially covers, with a certain interval, the second tube end. The second end of tube is formed in a flexible way and manufactured by means of a blowtorch by extrusion.

Description of the invention

The invention responds to the need to propose a quick-acting connection of the type mentioned above, which returns the proven advantages of solutions previously known, which can be manufactured simply and rationally, which It has more functions and allows to make compact connections between pipes.

The quick acting connection according to the invention characterized according to claim 1, by a second projection external locking to the second tube end, a second ring elastically deformable connected to the elastic arms with a certain interval in relation to the first ring, and by two seconds internal locking cams cooperating with the second projection of external lock on the second ring.

Thanks to the quick-acting connection according to the invention, we obtain in particular the following advantages:

We can get an interlocking of the cams of blocking simply by approaching both ends of the tube and interlocking them automatically.

We obtain, for use with fluids (liquids, vapors or gases) a tight connection (in the direction practical).

To undo the connection, just press one of the two rings exerting a pressure in the opposite direction between the locking cams and thus put the blocking cams internal formed in the area of the elastic arms out of socket with the protrusion of blockade that continues nailed with them. Other solution, we can also remove the elastic arms or the ring With an appropriate instrument. Simply pull lightly in the axial direction of the connection.

The connection is at least essentially symmetric and can thus get rid of both sides, that is to say about one end or the other of the tube. Regarding the solutions known according to the state of the art, it is thus functionally bent. This is especially advantageous when the place is limited, as happens regularly today in the engine space of the cars

Both rings with their internal locking cams and both elastic arms form a double connection element separable by both ends of the tube, which do not come into contact or Take with both ends of the tube more than the outside. There is a great freedom of choice regarding the material used for the double connection element, to the extent that this material can be chosen independently of the materials used to both ends of the tube, and without taking into account the medium transported at the tube ends.

The double connection element can be formed relatively short in the axial direction. Given that the axial length of the quick acting connection assembly essentially determined by the length of the double element connection, this one is equally very short and compact.

The double connection element can be economically manufactured, in particular in one piece, under the shape of a piece of injection molded plastic, the Small dimensions that it can have are advantageous. The great Freedom of choice mentioned in terms of the material used is also interesting. As the appropriate plastic material, liable to be injection molded, for the element of double connection, mention should be made of polymers in general Industrial Particularly reinforced polyamides are suitable. We prefer here Polyamide 6, Polyamide 66, Polyamide 46, Polyamide 11, Polyamide 12, as well as copolyamides partially crystalline and partially aromatic (polyphthalamides).

As for the strengthening agent for the Polyamide, can be fibers and / or minerals (for example the mica). For fiber strengthening, we can go for example to glass fibers, carbon fibers or fibers of aramid, and we prefer glass fibers.

According to another embodiment of the invention, we provide two other parallel internal locking cams and with a certain interval in relation to the first internal cams on the first ring forming a socket for the first external locking projection on the first tube end. He double connection element 30 can thus be preassembled on the first or on the second tube end and for example be delivered, transported, preserved and finally assembled with it. Do not it needs to be disassembled from the corresponding ends of tubes to make and break the connection. Thus, it does not represent a piece loose, separated from the connection.

As is customary in connections previously known, both tube ends in the connection according to the invention they can also be formed to be connected to each other. In particular, an end section of the second tube end can be widened here in degrees with view of the taking of an end section of the first end of tube, widening in degrees and can be pure and simple used as a second external locking projection. Naturally, we could also use a supplementary bump or a supplementary rib as an external blocking projection (as with the first tube end).

We can for example obtain the impermeability of the fast acting connection providing the end section of the second tube end, on its inner side, of a waterproof surface, and the end section of the first tube end, on its outer side, by at least one groove of circumferential impermeability for at least one element of impermeability, for example an o-ring. When we interlock both ends of each other, this sticks closely so less an element of impermeability, without another measure, against the waterproof surface mentioned on the second end of  tube. As for the waterproof element, it can also it is a waterproof loop or a lip of impermeability.

In a particularly advantageous way, we can, when the quick acting connection is produced according to the invention, form the first end of the tube in the form of a molded part extrusion-blow, because it is not necessary to provide other configurations apart from the first external locking projection and if the case of throat of impermeability mentioned arrives. So much The external locking projection as the waterproof neck they must also meet the specific requirements of precision indicated in advance, in terms of its external contour and, if necessary, the nature of its surface, which should be done simply, at the time of blow formation, in an external blow mold. In addition, these settings they have a rotation symmetry most of the time.

To the extent that the blow-formed tube is also provided with corrugations that are also easy to produce with this technique, it is also flexible and can be used where appropriate directly instead of a rubber tube. It is also possible to manufacture such tubes by means of a continuous extrusion of corrugated tube, in the equally corresponding end section. The tube ends (in particular the second tube end) could also be manufactured, however, by means of injection molding, in particular when it comes to pipes on injection molded containers (for example the fixing of a filter
of air).

As a plastic material for tubes, respectively the first tube end, can be use mostly highly viscous thermoplastic materials, which may contain additives and / or strengthening agents usual. These masses to be shaped must also present, in order to be formed by means of a blow by extrusion, sufficient solidity in the melted state. According to him use objective, we must also ensure the resistance of the form to heat and resistance to chemicals. Mention should be made, for example, of polymers such as polypropylene, polybutylene terephthalate or sulfide polyphenylene We prefer, however, Polyamides such as Polyamide. 6, Polyamide 66, Polyamide 11, Polyamide 12, Polyphthalamides as well such as polyamide elastomers and polyamide mixtures. We particularly prefer special types of molding by blow and extrusion, when the tube is manufactured by this means, medium.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the second tube end is the end of a metal tube or of a metal funnel formed on a container. In this case, we can produce particularly precisely the surface of waterproofing mentioned.

The new fast-acting connection is not limited however to materials or material pairings private individuals We can also preferably have both ends of plastic tube, or the first end of metal tube and The second plastic. We can also contemplate such a connection for two ends of metal tube.

We can above all perform, by connection direct from a flexible tube formed by extrusion-blow with a metal pipe or a plastic tube, a simple, compact tube connection, lightweight and easy to use and assemble and finally economical, very Interesting for application in the automotive industry.

As another advantage, we can indicate that the Quick acting connection according to the invention is not limited to small diameters, but it is also particularly adapted to large diameters, such as those needed by example for ventilation channels, because it is not necessary that there are complicated parts or constructions at both ends of the tube, and the double connection element can be realized according to one way very compact Thanks to the double connection element according to the invention, we can therefore have a simple and advantageous geometry of both ends of tube.

Brief description of the figures

The invention will be explained below with the help of embodiments in relation to the drawings.

Figure 1 represents, in section, a connection fast acting according to the invention with double connection element; Y

Figure 2 represents, in perspective, the double connection element of Figure 1.

Embodiments of the invention

Figure 1 represents a first end in 10 of tube and in 20 a second tube end, for which you can be for example fuel pipe sections or even of ventilation channels, such as those used by example in the construction of the car. At least for one of the two ends of the tube, however, can also be a pipe section that is adapted to a container. In the example above, as far as tube end 10 is concerned, it is discussed here of a flexible tube section of a ventilation channel made of a plastic material with a diameter that is preferably located in an interval that goes from 30 to 70 mm. Instead the tube end 20 must be a pipe section of a metal container or of plastic material. However, as stated, these hypotheses they are given only as an example and without limitation of the invention, which applies to all the indications given in the figures, as well As for the details of these figures.

An end section 11 of the first tube end 10 is fixed to an end section 21 of the second tube end 20. For this purpose the end section 21 widens, the widening is performed in
degrees for reasons stated below.

The inner surface 22 of the section of end 21 is in the form of a smooth waterproof surface. In change, on the end section 11, is provided on the side external a waterproof collar 12 for an o-ring 13. The O-ring 13 is inserted into the waterproof neck 12 and against the inner surface 22 and closes the interval between between both end sections 11 and 12 connected one in the other.

Both end sections 10, 20 are maintained together by a double connection element 30. This comprises part of the first tube end 10 a first elastically ring deformable 31, and on the side of the second tube end 20 a second elastically deformable ring 32. Both rings 31 and 32 they are connected to each other by two elastic arms 33 arranged in a way diametrically opposed to each other. In the place where elastic arms 33 connect to rings 31 and 32 they are provided on the inner side, on rings 31 and 32 (if the case also occurs at the ends of the elastic arms) cams  internal locking, namely on the first ring 31 a first internal locking cam 34 and on the second ring 32 a second internal locking cam 35. Locking cams 34 and 35 always are provided, on the sides that are facing, of locking surfaces oriented in the section planes of the double connection element, and instead, on the sides that deviate from each other, oblique deflection surfaces. Parallel to the first locking cams 34 and with a small interval in relation to them, they are still constituted in the inside two other locking cams 36 with groove formation from socket 37 on the first ring 31.

Figure 1 shows the quick action connection according to the invention in the state of union. In this state, the union prevents unintentionally getting rid under the influence of forces of tension acting axially. However, in case of need, both tube ends may be subjected to a rotation relative to each other (when they are formed with a rotation symmetry), but as a rule the assembly is it performs from the beginning in the good angular position.

In certain cases, we want an exact assembly No possibility of rotation. We can reach it by forming the tube ends without rotation symmetry, although the rotation is limited by a closure according to the shape, respectively the ends of tube are secured against rotation.

To assemble the connection according to the invention, we slide for example, in a first stage, the first end of tube 10 in the double connection element 30 (which is maintained) by the side of the first ring 31. As soon as the first ledge of block 14 comes into contact with the surface deflection of the first locking cam 34, we bend this by deflecting it in the movement tracking with deformation of the first ring 31 and with deformation of both elastic arms 33, until they can spring and lock them behind the locking boss 14. The blocking projection 14 also then comes into contact with the grooves of socket 37, which makes the first end of tube 31 cannot be pushed further forward. In this position, the first tube end 10 and the double element connection 30 are relatively fixed to each other. We could also say that the double connection element is preassembled on the First tube end.

As a second stage for the realization of the connection, the second tube end 20 is connected in the direction inverse and taking the first end of tube 10, respectively its end section 11 in the double connection element 30, up to that the second locking cams 35 on the second ring 32 are enclavan, in the manner already described in contact with the first tube end, in the direction of the connection behind the second external locking projection 23 of the second tube end 20. With its front edge 24, the second tube end 20 comes here simultaneously as retention stop over other locking cams 36, which also limits the monitoring of the movement of fixation of the second end of tube 20 after interlocking. Thanks to the O-ring, we immediately get a waterproofing of both ends of tube 10, 20 facing Exterior.

It is nevertheless expressly indicated here that the connection of the connection according to the invention can be carried out also in reverse sequence. In other words, in a first stage, we can also slide the double connection element 30 with ring 32 on the second end of tube 20 and in a second stage connect the first tube end 10.

We can, at choice, undo the connection according to the invention on the first ring 31 or on the second ring 32, and this deforming the corresponding ring exerting a pressure so strong between the locking cams that the cams internal interlocks that are present are detached from the projection corresponding lock they tighten. If the case comes, also we can use a tool to separate the elastic arms or the ring in the area of the locking cams, for example a clamp of separation that is introduced by the axial end of the ring. Then we can pull the tube end corresponding to the corresponding ring outside the double connection element 30

The double connection element 30 is relatively compact and is preferably manufactured in the form of a piece of plastic material molded by injection.

The first tube end 10, respectively the set of the solidarity piece, can be produced by means of a extrusion blow molding. In this operation, the tube, after extrusion, while it is still soft and deformable, it is widened under the effect of a pressure internal in an external mold that, in this case, must present minus the corresponding contours in the form of a rib for the first locking projection 14 and in the form of a neck of impermeability 12.

The quick acting connection according to the invention, constituted by both ends of tubes and the double element connection, is used in a particularly preferred way for a connection of air ducts in the intake zone or the loading area of a car engine. We talk here about Load on turbo engines.

Legend

10

First tube end

eleven

Final section of the first end of tube

12

Waterproof collar

13

Impermeability element (for O-ring example)

14

First external locking projection on the first tube end

10

twenty

Second tube end

twenty-one

Final section of the second end of tube 20

22

Internal surface of the section end 21

2. 3

Second outgoing external lock on the second end of tube 20

24

Frontal edge of the second end of tube

30

Dual connection element

31

First ring elastically deformable

32

Second ring elastically deformable

33

Elastic arms

3. 4

First locking cam internal

35

Second locking cam internal

36

Other internal locking cams

37

Contact slot.

Claims (23)

1. Quick acting connection for two tube ends, for the watertight and removable assembly of the first tube end (10) with the second tube end (20) comprising elastic arms (33), a first outer locking projection (14 ) provided on the first tube end (10), a first elastically deformable ring (31) connected to the elastic arms (33), and two first internal locking cams (34) provided on the first ring (31) cooperating with the first outer locking projection (14), characterized by a second outer projection (23) provided on the second tube end (20), a second elastically deformable ring (32) connected to the elastic arms (33) and away from the first ring (31) and by two second internal locking cams (35) provided on the second ring (32) cooperating with the second external locking projection (23). 2. Quick acting connection according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic arms (33) form, with the rings (31, 32) connected thereto as well as the locking cams (34, 35) which have a double assembly element (30). 3. Quick acting connection according to claim 2, characterized in that the double assembly element (30) is manufactured as an injection molded part of plastic material. 4. Quick acting connection according to claim 3, characterized in that a reinforced polyamide is used for the injection molded part. 5. Fast acting connection according to claim 4, characterized in that the polyamide is chosen from the groups polyamide 6, polyamide 66, polyamide 46, polyamide 11, polyamide 12 and partially aromatic and partially crystalline copolyamides. 6. Fast acting connection according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that fibers and / or mineral fillers are used as reinforcing agents. 7. Fast acting connection according to claim 6, characterized in that the fibers are chosen from the groups of glass fibers, carbon fibers and aramid fiber. 8. Quick-acting connection according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, in parallel and at a distance from the first internal locking cams (34), two other internal locking cams are provided on the first ring (31) (31). 36) to form a retaining neck (37) for the first outer locking boss (14) provided on the first tube end (10). 9. Quick acting connection according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the two tube ends (10, 20), preferably the end sections (11, 21), fit into each other. 10. Quick acting connection according to claim 9, characterized in that an end section (21) of the second tube end (20) is elongated in a stepped manner for the reception of an end section (11) of the first end of tube (10) and because the stepped elongation forms the first outer locking projection (23). 11. Fast acting connection according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the end section (21) of the second tube end (20) is provided with an impermeable surface on its inner face. 12. Quick-acting connection according to one of claims 9, 10 or 11, characterized in that, at the end section (11) of the first tube end (10), it is provided, on its outer side, at least a peripheral impermeability collar (12) for at least one impermeability element (13) preferably constituted by an O-ring, a waterproofing clamp or a waterproofing lip. 13. Quick acting connection according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the first and / or the second tube end is (are) made of synthetic material. 14. Quick acting connection according to claim 13, characterized in that the synthetic material is chosen from the group polyethylene, polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene sulfide and polyamide, these polymers also preferably containing addition compounds and / or an agent of reinforcement. 15. Fast acting connection according to claim 14, characterized in that the polyamide encompasses the group polyamide 6, polyamide 66, polyamide 11, polyamide 12, polyphthalamide, polyamide elastomers and polyamide mixture. 16. Quick acting connection according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the first tube end (10) is a molded, spun and blown part. 17. Quick acting connection according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the first tube end (10) is a part of a continuous spun tube. 18. Quick acting connection according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the second tube end (20) is an injection molded part, in particular a funnel of an injection molded container. 19. Quick acting connection according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the second tube end (20) is a piece of metal in particular a metal funnel. 20. Quick acting connection according to one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the diameter of the two tube ends (10, 20) is in the range of 30 to 70 mm. 21. Quick acting connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two tube ends (10, 20) are formed symmetrically by rotation. 22. Quick acting connection according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the two tube ends (10, 20) are locked in rotation by non-symmetrical forming in rotation. 23. Quick acting connection according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it can constitute an air channel connection for the intake or the loading area of a car engine.